In Every Debt That Must Be Repaid...

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There once was a beautiful lady that floats down from the clouds with an umbrella to answer the call of people who are in a financial mess. She help their households by being firm and lay the ground rules for them to succeed financially. But, she doesn't forget that in all of us, their lies a child who yearns of play. She reminds us that  "in every debt that must be repaid, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and -SNAP- repayment's a game!"

I wish such lady or at least a reality show called financial literacy nanny exists. Would it be possible to find the fun in repaying debt? Sure! In order for it to be a game, you must divert your attention from it being a burden to being an activity that is a challenge waiting to be conquered.

Let's call the game "ZERO!" The race to zero debt.

The Rules of ZERO! :

1. To win, players must have zero debt.
2. Players start with a certain amount of debt. Players must know the outstanding balance, interest rate and minimum monthly payments required.
3. Players must assign a person as witness/supporter making sure that you play the game until it's finished.

Strategy I recommend on winning the game :

• Make niyyah to win the game!
• Don't accumulate new debt.

• Repay from debt with highest interest, but put an effort into negotiating a reduction on your interest rate. You can spice up the game by assigning a number to each of your card, and your spouse or friend acting as a witness and supporter rolls the dice to see which card you get to repay first.
• Know what is required of you in terms of monthly payments.
• Stick with the plan!

Regardless whether you prefer in repaying debt with smaller outstanding balance or based on the highest interest rate, the most important thing is to stick to whatever strategy chosen to win the game. The focus should be on the necessary steps needed to be taken. Taking the thirteenth step is about the step to be free of debt, especially consumer debt. Remember, it's all a game. A game you can win.

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah , so will you not reason?

6. Surat Al-'An`ām (The Cattle; 32)